ATFM episode 38: A career perspective in a changing FM landscape

In this episode of the "All Things Financial Management" podcast, presented by the Society of Defense Financial Management and Guidehouse, Melissa Blakesly, Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Budget and Appropriations Liaison, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller (SAF/FML), sits down with host Tom Rhoads to reflect on a career shaped my mobility, mentorship, and a willingness to take on new challenges. Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation about navigating a nonlinear career in public service, the important of developing and supporting the FM workforce, and how practical applications of AI may help FM professionals turn data into actionable insight. 

Melissa Blakesly's story

Melissa Blakesly: Yeah, so I came to civil service rather late in my life. I was 38 years old when I decided to take a position with the Air Force. I honestly, growing up in Dayton, Ohio, I did not think that I was ever going to work for the Air Force. I mean, Wright Patterson was in my backyard, but it always seemed like it seemed very difficult to get employment on the base. And I quite frankly was focused on being a music major. So, working for the Air Force wasn’t really on my path to think about my life or my career. But I started playing a piano when I was young. And when you’re good at something, you always just kind of think that’s what you’re supposed to focus on for your life. And so, I had a natural ability when it came to piano performance, and so I just pursued that.

Read the full transcript